Overview
- Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, with coverage on ESPN in the U.S. and Sportsnet in Canada.
- The NHL constructed the rink inside a steel‑framed, air‑conditioned tent and moved its removal up to midnight to maximize time in open air before game time.
- Forecasts call for temperatures in the 40s with wind chills in the 30s during the game and a slight chance of flurries in the Tampa Bay area.
- The presentation leans into Tampa’s Gasparilla theme with a treasure‑map field design, shipwreck set pieces, barrels and boats, and integration of the stadium’s pirate ship.
- Boston will be without Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha, Tampa expects Victor Hedman back with Ryan McDonagh already returned, and owner Jeff Vinik will miss the event after a snowmobiling leg fracture.